Hawker food every day: does Penang's food culture affect your hair?

The food isn't the problem — balance is

Char kway teow, nasi kandar and laksa are everyday Penang meals. Hawker food itself doesn't cause hair loss, but if most meals are heavy on oil and starch and light on protein and vegetables, your body may not be getting what hair needs, such as enough protein and iron-rich foods.

Easy swaps at the hawker centre

Add an egg or an extra portion of fish, chicken or tofu; order a plate of greens; drink plain water. If you want to lose weight, avoid crash dieting — losing weight fast or eating too little can trigger a bout of shedding two to three months later.

When to get it checked

If shedding suddenly increases, or you suspect low iron, see a GP for a blood test before taking supplements. If your hairline, crown or parting is thinning, diet changes alone usually won't make it look fuller; book a free consultation and scalp scan at Folli-Doc Penang to understand your options. Results vary from person to person.

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